Ppeselection Calculator
Estimate ppeselection for your project with our free calculator. Get accurate material quantities, costs, and specifications.
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist
Formula
PPE = f(Noise dBA, Dust mg/m3, Chemical ppm, Impact Risk, Vibration m/s2)
Each hazard is evaluated against its OSHA threshold: noise above 85 dBA triggers hearing protection, dust above 5 mg/m3 or chemicals above the PEL require respiratory protection, impact risk determines hard hat class, and vibration above 2.5 m/s2 requires anti-vibration gloves. The overall risk score is a weighted sum of all hazard ratios.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Demolition Worker PPE
Problem:Select PPE for a demolition worker exposed to 98 dBA noise, 15 mg/m3 dust, impact risk 8/10, and 3 m/s2 vibration.
Solution:Hearing: NRR 29 earmuffs (98 dBA > 95 threshold)\nRespiratory: Full-face APF 50 with P100 filter (15 > 10 mg/m3)\nHead: Type II Class E hard hat with chin strap (risk 8)\nHands: Anti-vibration gloves (3 > 2.5 m/s2)\nEyes: Safety goggles + face shield
Result:7 PPE categories required, Very High overall risk score
Example 2: General Laborer PPE
Problem:Select PPE for a laborer with 82 dBA noise, 3 mg/m3 dust, impact risk 4/10, and 1 m/s2 vibration.
Solution:Hearing: Not required (82 < 85 dBA threshold)\nRespiratory: Not required (3 < 5 mg/m3)\nHead: Type I Class G hard hat (risk 4)\nHands: Standard work gloves (1 < 2.5 m/s2)\nFoot: Steel toe boots, Hi-vis Class 2
Result:4 PPE categories, Low overall risk score
References
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist · Editorial policy